Airlines flying from certain countries in the Middle East and Africa to the United States have been asked to check in almost all electronic devices of passengers rather than letting them carry these devices into the cabin, according to an U.S. official.
According to the CNN, the official said that it is a security concern regarding passengers boarding non-stop flights to the U.S. from some specific countries.
The directive is to ensure enhanced security measures at select airports for a limited duration.
According to the source, the move will impact over a dozen airlines flying into the US. Another US administration official says this covers devices larger than a cell phone.
In a written statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide any update as appropriate."
A State Department official said that embassy officials have been notifying relevant countries and airlines.
Neither source would specify what airlines were impacted beyond Royal Jordanian Airlines, which tweeted Monday that it will ban most electronics from the cabins on its flights to and from its North American destinations.
The Amman, Jordan-based carrier said that starting Tuesday, March 21 it will only allow phones and medical devices to be carried in the cabin of its flights. All other electronics would be "strictly prohibited." The airline cited "concerned U.S. departments" without offering additional explanation.
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